Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2022
Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2022 October 7 – 14 We are inviting YOU to join SFMade, in partnership with the Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Initiative, to be part of Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2022. This week long tribute to local manufacturing will feature events across the Bay Area. The Manufacturing Week 2022 calendar of […] Read more
First Peak is helping families with young children feel more confident going outdoors.
Jocelyn Karlan Newman is not one to cry over spilt milk. When her newborn’s clothes were getting stained and stinky, she decided to do something about it, and created First Peak. First Peak is a line of baby clothes targeted towards making families with young children feel more confident going outdoors. Jocelyn noticed that there […] Read more
Linda Becker assumes role of CEO of SFMade
SFMade’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Becker as the CEO of the organization, effective immediately. Linda started in the Development role at SFMade where she successfully grew the organization’s fundraising efforts, nearly doubling annual revenue since joining over 6 years ago. Linda brings a wealth of experience and institutional […] Read more
Knight Foundation Invests Big in Our Programs in San Jose
What do you get when you bring together the City of San Jose, the Knight Foundation, SFMade and a host of local manufacturers, supporters, and partners? Manufacture San Jose, better known as MFG:SJ. Launched in 2018 with a vision to bolster resources and visibility for the manufacturing sector in San Jose, MFG:SJ focuses on support […] Read more
Sustainable and Multi-Style swimwear by Savu Swim
In 2020, during the midst of the pandemic, Obrie Hostetter, an avid traveler and adventure seeker, was feeling the full force of lockdown and began dreaming of her favorite beach travels. Not one to wallow in despair, Obrie put her dreams to work and prepared for the end of lockdown by sewing swimwear. Not just […] Read more
Company spotlight: Kokak Chocolates
Kokak Chocolates is the only Filipina owned chocolate shop in San Francisco. Founder and Head Chocolatier Carol Gancia opened the shop in the heart of the Castro in June 2020. Since opening, Kokak has hosted 3 youth interns from JVS in the Fall of 2021 and has worked with community workforce organizations to find and […] Read more
Listening Session with the US Department of Commerce, CMTC and Manex
Back in December, Deputy Secretary Don Graves of the U.S. Department of Commerce came by the SFMade office for a listening session with local manufacturers hosted by California Manufacturing Technology Consulting and Manex. A dozen Bay Area manufacturers came out to share their thoughts on the state of the sector and express their needs, particularly […] Read more
SFMade Gift Mart, Powered by Metallica
For Whom the (jingle) Bell Tolls, Ride the Lightning to the Great Northern on Saturday, December 18 for a special SFMade Gift Mart brought to you by none other than Metallica! Get all your holiday shopping done while having lots of fun celebrating Metallica’s 40th anniversary and all the great things that have come out […] Read more
YouthMade is Thriving
SFMade and Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) have been working together to make the YouthMade program more student-centric. This program incorporates Inside MFG, internships, and job placements. The program has evolved to empower students to express their interests and shape their internship experiences with their host companies. Program participants are 15-18 year old students from SFUSD […] Read more
SFMade Receives Wells Fargo Grant for Artisanal Manufacturing Entrepreneurship Program Serving BIPOC Individuals in the Bay Area
Image: Amy Alaman, one of the Artisanal Manufacturing Entrepreneurship Program participants in front of The Crucible. SAN FRANCISCO – SFMade has received a $275,000 Wells Fargo Open for Business grant to launch a pilot program that will assist low-income black, indigenous, and people of color, residing primarily in Oakland, and surrounding areas in Alameda […] Read more
Hiring With Purpose with the Bay Area Brewers Guild
A few weeks ago, we developed educational resources and tools for the Bay Area Brewers Guild with the goal to facilitate good hires and make the local beer industry more inclusive in its hiring. SFMade’s Director of Workforce and Hiring, George Colón, was contacted by the Bay Area Brewers Guild in July 2021. After initial conversations […] Read more
Future Careers in Manufacturing
Building a Stronger Manufacturing Workforce in Northern California A report by SFMade and the Bay Area Council September 2021 with the support of: California’s manufacturing sector with 30,000 manufacturing companies is the largest in the United States and fills a critical role in the state’s economy. Together, these companies support 1.3 million employees, […] Read more
California Manufacturers Accelerator Plus Program
Are you a small Bay Area based manufacturers looking for help with a specific project of problem? We can help! Contact us today to join our FREE growth and profitability program designed to help small and medium sized manufacturers succeed. Apply here or contact [email protected] for more information. You can download a pdf version of […] Read more
Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2021
October 1 – 8, join SFMade, in partnership with the Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Initiative, for Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2021! Manufacturing is part of the bedrock of the Bay Area’s economy – employing over 300,000 people in the region and supporting all the other industries that make the Bay Area the vibrant and diverse […] Read more
SFMade featured on CMTC’s “Shifting Gears” podcast
Season Three of Shifting Gears, a podcast by our funding partner California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC), deep- dives into advanced manufacturing technologies: automation, robotics, and additive. The season concludes with a special episode in celebration of Manufacturing Day 2021 that features SFMade’s Director of Advising and Education Pierre Coeurdeuil. Listen to the Season 3 trailer now […] Read more
An “Incredible Resource” during COVID
How SFMade’s Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Initiative—an “Incredible Resource” during COVID—is Building a Stronger, More Equitable, Regional Manufacturing Ecosystem SFMade leads the Bay Area Urban Manufacturing (BAUM) Initiative, a region-wide effort of 32 cities and counties all working together to ensure a more interconnected, resilient, regional manufacturing ecosystem. Launched in 2016, this growing collaboration supports local […] Read more
Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2021
Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2021 will take place October 1 – 8 and will feature: • Virtual Convening: Session hosted by the Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Initiative focused on manufacturing as a tool for equitable recovery and featuring prominent business leaders in manufacturing. OCTOBER 1, 11AM PST. You can find out more and register here. […] Read more
West Oakland’s Pyka Takes Off
Pyka builds autonomous electric aircraft that is used by agricultural service providers and farmers as an autonomous tool that makes aerial crop protection safer, more targeted and less harmful to surrounding environments. When the company needed help expanding their West Oakland facility, which was formerly a steel factory, they called Martine Neider, SFMade Director […] Read more
Scaling our work serving BIPOC-owned small businesses thanks to Citi Foundation award
We’re excited to announce that we’ve been awarded $500,000 in unrestricted funding by the Citi Foundation to scale our work serving manufacturing companies owned by people of color across the San Francisco Bay Area. “This funding from the Citi Foundation will be critical in enabling us to serve more companies, deliver greater impact, and harness […] Read more
Alameda’s Admiral Maltings elevates the craft of making malt
Dave McLean and Ron Silberstein have been leaders and peers in the craft brewing industry for decades. They founded the celebrated beer companies Magnolia and ThirstyBear, respectively, and together were among the founders of the SF Brewers Guild and SF Beer Week. In 2015 they joined forces to launch a new business, Admiral Maltings, […] Read more
Growth at San Francisco’s Tempo Automation Continues to Skyrocket
Thanks to funders like MUFG Union Bank Foundation, SFMade has supported Tempo’s success since its founding in 2013 Success is never achieved alone. SFMade is proud of the 10+ years we’ve been supporting and championing manufacturing in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we love sharing stories with you about the vibrancy, resilience, and […] Read more
New Building and Support from SFMade Help FASTSIGNS Oakland “Move to the Next Level”
As your business grows so does the space needed to power it. Linda Fong, the owner of a rapidly growing FASTSIGNS franchise in Oakland, has twice outgrown her production and showroom facilities and has twice secured an SBA loan to purchase a larger property. “There’s nothing like the security of owning your own building,” […] Read more
Funder Spotlight: Walter and Elise Haas Fund
An essential SFMade partner in creating more equitable access to good-paying jobs in San Francisco The Walter & Elise Haas Fund and SFMade have partnered since 2012 to provide low-income San Francisco residents with access to jobs and opportunities in the city’s manufacturing sector. We are deeply thankful for their renewed support this year! The Walter & Elise […] Read more
150 Hooper: An affordable, state-of-the art facility to manufacture just about anything
Ask any San Francisco manufacturer about their greatest challenges and sure to top the list is finding affordable real estate. That’s why SFMade and its sister organization PlaceMade opened the Manufacturing Foundry at 150 Hooper in 2018. Located in the city’s Design District at the intersection of West SOMA and Mission Bay, the facility is San Francisco’s first, permanently affordable, multi-tenant […] Read more
Meet Johnny Jaramillo, the new Executive Director of PlaceMade
Please join us in welcoming Johnny Jaramillo, the new Executive Director of PlaceMade, the sister nonprofit of SFMade that works with regional municipalities to generate jobs by creating more affordable real estate to grow manufacturing businesses. Johnny, who has extensive economic development, public policy, and city planning experience, most recently served as Economic and Workforce Program Manager for […] Read more
Making It In Napa: Planning a supportive ecosystem for creatives, makers, and manufacturers to thrive
Napa is known the world over for primarily one thing: wine. Since the 1970s, the region has been a top destination for tourists who visit its renowned wineries and award-winning restaurants. Like in any city or region, however, there is more to the story. The wine industry has created upstream and downstream sectors in tourism […] Read more
Love, Creativity, and Family Fuel San Francisco-based Sequoia Sake
Sequoia Sake has crossed continents, cultures, and generations in pursuit of making the tastiest, freshest, most interesting sake in the Bay Area. Launched by husband-and-wife team Jake Myrick and Noriko Kamei, who met while living in Japan, Sequoia Sake is San Francisco’s first and only micro-sake brewery. In a short span of seven years, Myrick […] Read more
SFMade Co-Founder and Chief Program Officer Janet Lees to Serve as Acting CEO
We recently shared the news that Kate Sofis, SFMade’s CEO and Co-Founder, has been selected by Mayor London Breed to serve as the Director of the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development. We are delighted to announce that Janet Lees, SFMade’s Co-Founder and Chief Program Officer, will assume the role of Acting CEO, effective […] Read more
SFMade’s Summer Internship Program Benefits Small Manufacturers and Youth Alike
Every year, SFMade partners with local non-profits to place San Francisco and San Jose youth in paid internships with manufacturers. Known as YouthMade, the program began in 2014 as part of SFMade’s mission to expose youth to potential careers in manufacturing and to prepare the workforce of the future. A sister program, called Inside Manufacturing, […] Read more
Kate Sofis Chosen by Mayor Breed to Lead San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development
SFMade’s Board of Directors announced on March 19th, 2021 that Kate Sofis, SFMade’s CEO and Co-Founder, has been selected by Mayor London Breed to serve as the Director of the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD). Kate will leave SFMade in May. “Kate put local manufacturing on the map, and she made […] Read more
Manufacture: San Jose to deliver support to small manufacturers in San Jose’s underserved neighborhoods
Manufacture: San Jose to deliver support to small manufacturers in San Jose’s underserved neighborhoods as part of the City’s Small Business and Manufacturing Recovery Initiative funded through the Cares Act The U.S. Department of Commerce recently awarded $1.17M in Cares Act recovery assistance to provide technical support to small businesses and manufacturers in San Jose, […] Read more
Making the best out of a State Of Flux
“Never break. Never settle. Never fold.” It’s the mantra that the Mission streetwear brand State Of Flux lives by, and it’s a philosophy that has served owners Johnny Travis and Herbert Gracia well, especially in the past year. “It’s about being comfortable with uncertainty because it’s a part of life,” said Travis. “Sometimes you […] Read more
Formr Reuses Construction Waste to Create Jobs for Justice-Involved People
The road that Sasha Plotitsa took to launch his one-year-old San Francisco furniture company is not for the faint of heart. In March of 2020, after two years of planning and quite a few twists and turns, Plotitsa launched Formr. Within a few days, San Francisco would institute stay-at-home orders and the COVID-19 pandemic would […] Read more
Next Generation Manufacturing Training program prepares low-income San Franciscans for jobs of the future
After Celeste Carvdjal graduated from high school in 2019, she wasn’t sure what her next step would be, whether she would pursue higher education or jump right into the workforce. “One day my grandmother was giving me a lecture about how I never do anything, and when that came to an end, she put a […] Read more
Happy Moose Juice teaches youth in Bayview-Hunters Point business and life skills
Happy Moose Juice has been keeping San Francisco healthy with its organic, cold-pressed juices since 2013. The company has also been making a positive impact on youth in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood with a profit-sharing program for Hella Berry Probiotic Smoothie, a juice created and launched by the kids in a unique partnership with the […] Read more
Robots take Intrinsic Jewelry’s business to a “whole new level”
Intrinsic Jewelry is a San Francisco-based, wholesale body jewelry manufacturer with a reputation for precision and excellence. Intrinsic’s products include septum curves, labret backs, eyebrow curves, body jewelry barbells, lip piercings, navel curves, magic plugs, and more. The company has experienced steady growth over the years, but new robotic automation systems are now taking things […] Read more
Arion Press keeps history alive In the Presidio
San Francisco has a rich history as a center of printing and bookbinding that dates back to the Gold Rush. Today, Arion Press and it’s nonprofit arm, the Grabhorn Institute, carry on the tradition of hot metal typesetting and letterpress printing while also working to preserve and perpetuate the use of the last integrated type […] Read more
SFMade at 10 years – Impact Report
The past several months of 2020 have been challenging for us all, and as we have worked to put together our first ever Impact Report summarizing SFMade at 10 years, it has never been more apparent how much we have to be grateful for. The past ten years have taught us that we, together with […] Read more
Churn Urban Creamery Expands, Launches New Baking Business During Pandemic
Familiar pleasures like ice cream can mean so much right now when the world is upside down. Ice cream also provides social contact and reminds people that “there is still good out there,” according to Rica Sunga-Kwan, the founder of Churn Urban Creamery + Bakery. “When people pick up their orders, just having that social […] Read more
Sinto Gourmet was “very prepared for the pandemic”
When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, people flocked to the stores to buy necessities to weather the crisis. Items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and peanut butter flew off the shelves in the U.S., and so did kimchi. Sales of San Francisco-based Sinto Gourmet’s manufactured vegan kimchi and hot sauce shot through the […] Read more
Third-generation Lucca Delicatessen discovers SFMade
Local manufacturers and small businesses anchor San Francisco’s neighborhoods and fuel the city’s economy. Lucca Delicatessen, a retail and takeout deli located in the Marina District, is one of those special businesses that customers have been counting on for generations for quality products and excellent customer service. Founded in 1929 by Mike Bosco and his […] Read more
SFMade wins Prestigious JVS Business Leadership Award!
We are honored and humbled to receive JVS’s Business Leadership Award. For eight years, we have worked with JVS to create shared prosperity and cultivate living wage careers for adults and youth with barriers to employment, through the vehicle of strong, locally owned manufacturing. The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the country’s over-reliance on foreign supply […] Read more
Special San Francisco Business Times supplement honors SFMade and Bay Area manufacturers
The San Francisco Business Times and SFMade has published their first-ever manufacturing supplement with a selection of profiles and stories focused on why manufacturing matters; how evolving manufacturing technologies are making the industry cleaner, faster, and more efficient; and why the industry is a promising conduit to jobs and career pathways for local residents who […] Read more
It’s a wrap! Highlights from Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2020.
Thank you to all of our partners, sponsors, and event hosts —and of course everyone who attended—for making our virtual Bay Area Manufacturing Week one of our most successful ever! Organized by SFMade and the Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Initiative, the week featured 16 panel events, virtual tours, and conversations with local manufacturers, […] Read more
YouthMade Interns Go Above and Beyond
SFMade’s internship program, YouthMade, exposes youth to the manufacturing industry through paid, 6-week internships for high school students. These youths come to us from our youth partner organizations JVS and Enterprise for Youth. This year’s internship program was successful—despite COVID! A variety of our amazing local manufactures provided opportunities for interns to gain on-the-job […] Read more
Proceeds of East Brother’s new, “Pride & Purpose” Beer support Richmond Rapid Response Fund
East Brother Beer, a Richmond, CA-based brewery, just announced the release of its newest beer, “Pride & Purpose.” Pride and Purpose is the motto of the City of Richmond, and 20% of the beer’s sales will support the Richmond Rapid Response Fund, an initiative that is working to meet the needs of the community during […] Read more
JPMorgan Chase doubles down on their support of SFMade’s work
The work we do at SFMade would not be possible without dedicated, generous funders like JPMorgan Chase, an organization that has supported our work since 2013. JPMC was the first organization to invest in our successful youth program, which exposes youth to the manufacturing industry through Inside Manufacturing, a career exposure program run in San […] Read more
“We have to get this stuff online, now!”
Jenny Lemons is a small-batch clothing company run by San Francisco-based artist Jennie Lennick. Born in Minnesota, Jennie moved to San Francisco in 2010 to attend the San Francisco Art Institute, where she studied painting. She founded Jenny Lemons in 2015 as an extension of her art practice. The Mission-based storefront location features original […] Read more
Butter&’s Quarantine Cakes “encourages the behavior we need to get through this together.”
Picture by Andriya Arances Butter& is a designer cake shop that helps people show how much they care by making designer buttercream cakes for special occasions and milestone events. The business was founded in 2017 in Amanda Nguyen’s apartment when she was unable to find a cake that was “delicious or pretty enough” for […] Read more
Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2020
Join SFMade, in partnership with the Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Initiative, October 2 – 9 for Bay Area Manufacturing Week 2020. The importance of local manufacturing to the Bay Area’s economy and to our physical safety has become increasingly clear this year. In addition to ensuring that we have the essential products we need […] Read more
SFMade Founding Partner Wells Fargo Comes Through in Crisis for Local Manufacturers
Wells was one of SFMade’s founding partners when we were a scrappy startup with a big vision; they have provided support every year throughout our ten year history; and this year, in a time of crisis, Wells Fargo has provided unrestricted funding for our Small Manufacturer Disaster Response Initiative. The Small Manufacturer Disaster Response Initiative provides manufacturers in […] Read more
Fiat Lux Announces Young Black Jeweler’s Initiative
Fiat Lux, “San Francisco’s Spot for Handmade,” announced a Young Black Jeweler’s Initiative, which includes a full scholarship and support for an extended technical jeweler’s program for aspiring Black jewelers between the ages of 18 and 26. In a statement on Instagram, the company said, “after a week of reflection, dialogue, and input of the staff, […] Read more
Outpouring of Customer Support Helps Bryr Clogs
In the spring of 2012, Isobel Schofield quit her job as a design director at a major US retailer and went in search of something more. Armed with her determination to learn how to make shoes, she journeyed from the coast of Spain to the mountains of Sedona and finally to Northern California to […] Read more
It’s a unique time for a business like Humanmade
Humanmade, a non-profit partner of SFMade and a tenant in the Manufacturing Foundry, is a state-of-the-art makerspace that that houses San Francisco’s most extensive open-access design, fabrication, and prototyping facility. Humanmade’s mission is to empower individuals in the community to become the next generation of inventors, designers, and fabricators. Much of Humanmade’s work since it opened last […] Read more
Funder Update: US Bank Helping Small Business Thrive
SFMade and other non-profits that serve on the front lines of this crisis to support small business, are all stretching our limited resources and teams to the max. And we have been continuously reassured, and amazed, by the proactive and timely offers of more support from many of our funding partners. One of these […] Read more
SFMade Face Masks
We are extremely proud of the way local manufacturers retooled after the onset of COVID-19 to produce face masks, often volunteering their time and donating items and proceeds to support essential, frontline workers. In the process, the manufacturers created a spectrum of beautiful, sturdy designs that make shelter-in-place just a little bit more tolerable. Here are photos of SFMade […] Read more
Re-Hiring Guidance
COVID19 Re-opening Main Points: Keep in mind—unemployment insurance is a short term play. The federal bump of $600/week will be over at the end of July. Your former employees have the right to: Decline the offer to return to work. Be kept safe if they come back to work. 2 weeks of additional sick time […] Read more
PPP loan forgiveness checklist
If you received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, this article is for you! We put together a checklist and FAQs to help prepare to provide the right information to the SBA with the goal to maximize forgiveness. Working on this as early as possible will help make this easier when it comes time to […] Read more
Still Making it in the City
SFMade does not condone or support the active production of goods classified as “non-essential” during the COVID-19 crisis. Here is a running list of the SFMade manufacturers still selling and shipping products now, so you can make the choice to shop local and support local makers and manufacturers during these tough times. Some of these […] Read more
Rent Relief Negotiating Tactics
Here are some rent relief negotiating tactics we recommend you follow during the COVID-19 outbreak and pandemic. Step 1: Understand the potential impacts of COVID-19 will have on your business How much impact will there be to your ability to generate revenue? How much impact will there be to your supply chain? How long […] Read more
Work Reduction Strategies
Please note: here is a summary of the upcoming FFCRA Federal law, taking effect on April 1st and requiring employers with less than 500 employees to provide emergency paid sick leave and paid family leave. Facing this crisis, you may want to consider the strategies below as alternatives to layoffs or additional action steps. Some […] Read more
COVID-19 Impact Resources for Manufacturers
We’re here to help. In these uncertain times, we stand together with local, State and Federal agencies to help you deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak with advice and resources. First and foremost, our staff is here to help! If you have any questions or issues: Please e-mail Pierre, our Director of Advising […] Read more
38Makers 2020 – Holiday Fair at Pinterest
38MAKERS 2020 – HOLIDAY FAIR AT PINTEREST: CANCELLED In light of the current public health crisis and our first priority being the health of the community, we have made the hard decision to cancel 38Makers 2020. Our local manufacturers and the teams at Pinterest and SFMade hope to see you again at 38Makers 2021. Stay […] Read more
SFMade Holiday Fairs 2019
Join our annual shopping events and discover unique goods curated by Pinterest and CCA! 38MAKERS HOLIDAY FAIR AT PINTEREST November 9, 2019 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | $5 suggested donation 651 Brannan Street, San Francisco Discover SFMade Goods at Pinterest HQ — 38Makers kicks off the season with an early gift fair specially […] Read more
2019 SFMade Holiday Fair at CCA
2019 SFMADE HOLIDAY FAIR AT CCA December 15 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | free California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth Street, San Francisco => RSVP on Eventbrite => RSVP on Facebook HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR LOCALLY-MADE GOODS AT CCA SFMade presents its annual holiday fair in collaboration with CCA WHAT: A shopping extravaganza […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Daily Driver
Daily Driver is the only place that manufactures organic, wood-fired bagels in San Francisco, also the only creamery in the city making butter and cheese. Based in the American Industrial Center in the Dogpatch neighborhood, the cafe & restaurant opened in June 2019 and is quickly becoming a morning and lunch staple for locals, with […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Yorkland Productions
Yorkland Productions is a full-service pattern and sample apparel studio – they offer everything from design conception to production sourcing. Basically, they create the blueprints to manufacture or produce something that uses a textile material; apparel is the most common. Their clients come in with a sketch of a garment and they bring it to […] Read more
Help Us Recruit for Our Next Generation Manufacturing Training Program!
Participants will receive 12 weeks of free technical and soft skills training from September 3rd – November 29th, 2019 at Humanmade’s brand new, state of the art Makerspace. Technical training includes a 3D printing or CNC machining track, and trainees that successfully complete the program will receive job placement assistance. Please spread the word and help us find […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Linea Caffe
Linea Caffe purchases, roasts, and serves the world’s finest coffees. The company strongly supports the sustainable efforts of farmers and organic farming techniques, and the coffees that Linea purchases command a much higher premium than fair trade pricing. Since opening in September 2013, Linea has grown a loyal and devoted following of coffee and espresso […] Read more
Manufacturing the Dream: Auction Items
Manufacturing the Dream, a benefit for SFMade Auction Items SFMade’s Manufacturing the Dream 10th Anniversary Benefit took place on June 20th, 2019 and featured a curated selection of silent auction experiences from local brands. If you were not able to attend the event or missed signing up for one of the amazing experiences on […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Swope Design Solutions
Swope Design Solutions (SDS) is a mechanical engineering and product design firm that specializes in medical devices, consumer products, and robotics. SDS started in 2006 and has grown to 8 employees today – including one who started as a college intern through SFMade and was hired after graduating college. Their staff has expertise in all […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Thatcher’s Popcorn
Thatcher’s Gourmet Popcorn has been cooking Popcorn in San Francisco since 1983. Their gourmet recipes are all made in small batches to preserve freshness and quality, either under the Thatcher’s brand or acting as contract manufacturers for many others, and shipped both locally and internationally from their factory in the Dogpatch neighborhood. Thatcher’s Popcorn believes […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Denim Unspun
Denim Unspun, a newcomer to the SFMade community, uses a fun, 3d body scanner and snazzy algorithms to make 100% unique, custom-fit jeans. Founded in 2015, the company stands for inclusivity, sustainability, and efficiency, and it attracts customers who appreciate customized, intentionally-made garments and who support a cleaner, more sensible fashion industry. The fast-growing company […] Read more
Need Packaging/Assembly Services? Hire-Ability Can Help!
The next time you’re looking for a contract manufacturer for packaging and assembly services, consider Hire-Ability’s Employee Development Program! Hire-Ability is an SFMade Workforce Partner who refers trained, assessed and pre-qualified employees to positions on our job board. They run an Employee Development Program that works with residents of San Francisco with disabilities and barriers […] Read more
38Makers 2019 – Holiday Fair at Pinterest
38MAKERS 2019 – HOLIDAY FAIR AT PINTEREST November 9 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | $5 suggested donation 651 Brannan Street, San Francisco => RSVP on Eventbrite => RSVP on Facebook DISCOVER SFMADE GOODS AT PINTEREST HQ! SFMade and Pinterest present the sixth annual shopping event with favorites from the years before – and some […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Embla
Embla utilizes the latest in 3D printing technology to create unique geometric candles. For centuries, candles have been made the exact same way and while technology continued advancing at a rapid pace, the home goods market stayed relatively unchanged. Evgenia and Greg saw the need for a fresh, modern take on candles. And after years […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Aplat
Aplat makes culinary, wine and garden totes, designed and manufactured with a zero waste approach. Since 2014, their passion is to deliver a meaningful experience in sharing food, wine, and garden that is sustainable from-farm-to-factory-to-table. They support community, thoughtful design, and an evolution in industry practices. Check out Aplat’s website here, their Instagram here, or […] Read more
2018 Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Summit – Thank you!
The 2018 Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Summit on November 9th in San Jose brought together more than 300 stakeholders, including officials from 30 Bay Area cities to celebrate the breadth and depth of a growing collaboration to support local manufacturers and accelerate the growth of quality, middle-income jobs to create a stronger, more diverse, […] Read more
Company Spotlight: DCL Productions
DCL Productions is the longest running embroidery factory in San Francisco. Since 1991, they grew into the largest embroidery and screen printing facility in the city. DCL Productions is the only local company that prints 95% of their products under one roof, under one name! Check out their website here, or visit them at 1284 […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
Speakeasy Ales & Lagers is a San Francisco craft brewery and tap room. The company has been defiantly brewing small batches of beer in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood since 1997. It was recently acquired by Hunters Point Brewery, and the brand just celebrated its 21st anniversary. Here is Speakeasy’s website, and you should definitely […] Read more
2018 SFMade Holiday Fair at CCA
2018 SFMADE HOLIDAY FAIR AT CCA December 16 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | free California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth Street, San Francisco => RSVP on Eventbrite => RSVP on Facebook HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR LOCALLY MADE GOODS AT CCA SFMade presents its annual holiday fair in collaboration with CCA WHAT: A shopping […] Read more
Celebrate MFG Day on October 5th, 2018!
Join the rest of the country and celebrate our U.S. manufacturers by attending a day of events hosted by SFMade member companies to celebrate National Manufacturing Day! Anchor Brewing – Factory Tour, 10/5 11am | $25 Come visit Anchor Brewing, America’s oldest craft brewery. Includes a tasting at the end of the tour! Dandelion Chocolate […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Animal Instincts
Animal Instincts has been making garments blending the California vibe with a hint of humor since 2008. The t-shirts, hoodies, onesies and more are sewn by San Francisco manufacturers and printed by local silk screeners, displaying designs hand-drawn by Jamai Lowell, artist and owner of the company. Check out Animal Instincts online: their website and […] Read more
MakerSphere: More Opportunities to Make
In 2016, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office funded the CCC Maker’s Initiative with a goal of closing California’s middle-skills gap and creating a college maker culture. The initiative will build a community of college makerspaces, fund 800 internships, and prepare students for success in STEM/STEAM careers. CCSF is one of the community colleges participating […] Read more
August Newsletter
Click here or on the email below to read our August newsletter. Read more
BAY AREA URBAN MANUFACTURING SUMMIT 2018
WHEN: November 9, 2018 from 11:30AM to 1:30PM WHERE: FORAGER, San Jose WHAT: The event will take place over a gourmet lunch At the Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Summit we highlight the strength, diversity, and versatility of manufacturing in the region with speakers ranging from artisan to cutting edge manufacturers and the cities and communities that […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Lady Alamo
Lady Alamo has been making fun, simple everyday bags and accessories since 2011 – in particular, a wide variety of zipper pouches, backpacks and bags focusing on color and their original printed textiles. In April 2018, they moved to a larger workshop doubling as a retail store in the heart of the Mission District, at […] Read more
Jenny Lemons Success Story
Jennie Lennick, Owner of Jenny Lemons Jenny Lemons makes women’s clothing, and textiles for the home, drawing inspiration from traditional domestic craft, and featuring images of the delicious fresh foods and natural beauty of Northern California. All of their products are made by hand and in small batches, using organic and natural fibers. Background The […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Ritual Coffee Roasters
Ritual Coffee has been changing the way people know coffee since 2005. 13 years later, they source the vast majority of the coffee they roast and serve from the farmers who grow it, and return to work with the same farms year after year in some of the longest standing direct buying relationships in the […] Read more
Manufacturing: Open to All
About a year ago, San Francisco created the Office of Transgender Initiatives which strives to ensure that all residents have equal access to city services, and opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways to the success of the community and the city, regardless of gender identity or expression. A study conducted by the National Center for […] Read more
Company Spotlight: McRoskey Mattress Co.
McRoskey Mattress Company is a manufacturer of mattresses and box springs that sells directly to the sleeper online and through its four retail showrooms: in San Francisco on Market Street, in Palo Alto, in San Rafael (which opened as a Pop-Up in November and is now permanent!), and a small showroom attached to the factory […] Read more
38Makers 2018 – Holiday Fair at Pinterest
38MAKERS 2018 – HOLIDAY FAIR AT PINTEREST November 3 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | $5 suggested donation 651 Brannan Street, San Francisco => RSVP on Eventbrite => RSVP on Facebook DISCOVER SFMADE GOODS AT PINTEREST HQ! SFMade and Pinterest present the fifth annual shopping event with favorites from the years before – and […] Read more
Success Story: One Step Closer
Demarcus got one step closer to his dream of starting his own apparel manufacturing business after being hired as Timbuk2’s Production Coordinator. Demarcus found the job through the CCSF Fashion Department, that collaborates with SFMade to share our job opportunities with their students. Demarcus was specifically interested in learning more about local manufacturing but […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Nana Joes
Nana Joes Granola makes Gluten Free Granola, Granola bars, Cookies and Trail Mix. Based out of the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco, they are on a mission to bring back whole food ingredients into packaged foods on the store shelves while supporting our local workforce and our local agriculture! We got a chance to interview […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Bryr Studio
Bryr Studio is a collection of hand-made clogs inspired by the West Coast lifestyle. Based out of their workshop in the Dogpatch district of San Francisco, every pair of Bryr clogs are hand made by Owner Isobel Schofield and her team. We got a chance to interview Isobel in January 2018. You can visit […] Read more
What’s next, SF? featuring SFMade
Watch the video to learn more about what we do, and hear member companies Amy Kuschel and Mission Bicycle tell us about their great work. Thanks to SFGovTV for the feature! Also including shots from Shotwell Paper Mill and Barebottle Brewing Company. Read more
Changing Lives Through Jobs in Manufacturing
This is the story of how SFMade’s Job Board helped change two men’s lives. AmericaWorks is an organization that prepares people coming out of prison for re-entry into the workforce. SFMade member McRoskey Mattress Company is a 118 year-old mattress company in the Central Waterfront neighborhood of San Francisco. The two were introduced when AmericaWorks […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Andytown Coffee Roasters
Andytown Coffee Roasters started roasting and serving specialty coffee in the Outer Sunset in San Francisco in 2014. The single café and roasting space grew to today’s three café locations, including one where all the coffee roasting takes place. Andytown brings specialty coffee roasting to the Outer Sunset in San Francisco, with the goal to […] Read more
Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Summit – Thank You!
The 2017 Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Summit November 9th brought over 400 people together in support of regional manufacturing. It was a fantastic event that demonstrated how committed our Bay Area cities are to supporting local production and job creation. To find out more, and to access the toolkits that showcase best practices from across […] Read more
Working together to strengthen regional connections and grow regional manufacturing
The 2017 Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Summit on November 9th brought over 400 people together in support of regional manufacturing! Senator Dianne Feinstein greeted the crowd via video address and officials from 30 Bay Area cities were in the room, including the mayors of Oakland, Fremont, Berkeley, Pittsburg, and Newark. The many […] Read more
2017 SFMADE HOLIDAY FAIR AT CCA
2017 SFMADE HOLIDAY FAIR AT CCA December 17 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | free California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth Street, San Francisco RSVP on Facebook! RSVP on Eventbrite! HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR LOCALLY MADE GOODS AT CCA SFMade presents annual holiday fair in collaboration with CCA WHAT: The only holiday gift fair where you […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Cayson Designs
Cayson Designs manufactures culinary apparel since 1992. From their workshop in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, they make chef and restaurant uniforms that can be customized with everything from embroideries to special designs and fabrics. We got a chance to interview the company’s General manager, Karie La Mountain, in October 2017. You should also […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Henry’s House of Coffee
Henry’s House of Coffee is a long-running coffee shop and micro-roastery with a legacy dating back to the sixties. It is one of San Francisco’s first specialty coffee companies, that today sells house-roasted beans, espresso drinks and pastries, and brewing accessories. Visit Henry’s House of Coffee at 1618 Noriega Street, and experience what three generations […] Read more
Celebrate MFG Day on October 6th
Join the rest of the country and celebrate our U.S. manufacturers by attending a week of events hosted by SFMade member companies to celebrate National Manufacturing Day! Social Imprints – Print Shop Factory Tour, 10/5 12:30pm | $5 Come visit Social Imprints’ print shop, and hear about the fascinating company story and mission. Heath […] Read more
Company Spotlight: 3 Fish Studios
3 Fish Studios is a workshop and studio where art happens daily and visitors are always welcome. The owners Eric and Annie and their 2 employees make affordable art: paintings, prints, magnets, postcard sets. We got a chance to interview Eric in August 2017. Check out their website here www.3fishstudios.com and their super popular Instagram here instagram.com/3fishstudios (follow along with […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Austin Press
Austin Press offers a rich assortment of hand crafted objects. It is a letterpress studio making everything in letterpress and hot foil, and ephemera – anything on paper. Austin Press also makes apothecary products: candles, perfumes and soaps with old world charm. The company is located in the historic Pier 70 shipyard of San Francisco, […] Read more
38MAKERS HOLIDAY FAIR AT PINTEREST
38MAKERS 2017 – HOLIDAY FAIR AT PINTEREST November 4 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | $5 suggested donation 651 Brannan Street, San Francisco RSVP on Facebook! RSVP on Eventbrite! DISCOVER SFMADE GOODS AT PINTEREST’S NEWEST HEADQUARTERS SFMade and Pinterest present the fourth annual shopping event with new vendors and location. WHAT: 38Makers kicks off the […] Read more
Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Summit
Join us Thursday, November 9th, 2017! To secure your table today, contact Linda Becker at [email protected] or 415.408.5605 x12. For more information about The Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Initiative visit the website here: http://bayareamfg.org/. Founding Corporate Partners: Citi Community Development, PG&E, and Kaiser Permanente Production Advocate: JLL Media Sponsors: San Francisco Business Times and Silicon Valley […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Korina Naturals
Products we love: the natural care products from Korina! Their line of clean, safe, and effective products is handmade in small batches using 100% natural ingredients. Check out Korina’s website — we swear by their deodorants! https://www.korinanaturals.com/ Read more
Company Spotlight: Dependable Letterpress
Dependable Letterpress is a San Francisco letterpress print shop specializing in fine printing and custom work. Joel and his skilled craftspeople share a passion for paper. We got a chance to interview Joel, owner of Dependable Letterpress, in June 2017. Check out their website here. You should also stop by their store at 1192 Illinois […] Read more
JobsNOW! Program + Nomiku Partnership
Are you looking to employ individuals for new positions at your business? Would you like some assistance in posting and recruiting for your new position? The JobsNOW! Wage Subsidy Program, run by the San Francisco Human Services Agency, might have the answer to your hiring needs. The JobsNOW! program placed over 19,000 job seekers to […] Read more
MONTHLY GOODS: VOLCANO KIMCHI
Products we love: the first-class, small batch kimchi from Volcano Kimchi! Have you tasted kimchi before? It all starts with vegetables (typically napa cabbage) that are cut, fermented and seasoned – it is often spicy. Kimchi is used as an ingredient or condiment, and there are hundreds of varieties to discover. Volcano Kimchi makes handcrafted […] Read more
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: APE DO GOOD
In April 2017, we met with Anthony Skirvin, owner of Ape Do Good Printing. Ape Do Good Printing has been specializing in screen printing tshirts, sweatshirts, and most other garments as well as paper and flatstock printing since 2002. They are located in heart of the San Francisco’s Mission District. They offer up to 10 […] Read more
SFMade Week 2017 Events
Event Type Company Date Time Address Price Details Tour Urban FarmGirls WEEK-LONG Mon-Sun 11am-5pm 1584 Wallace Ave Free Open studio. Demos 2-3pm on 5/8, 5/9, 5/11, and 5/12 Popup T-We Tea, Etta+Billie, Jamnation WEEK-LONG Mon-Sat 10am-5pm T-We Tea, Crocker Galleria, 50 Post St Free Tour + Sale MMclay Monday, May 8 11am-6pm 315 Linden […] Read more
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: MISSION BICYCLE
In March 2017, we got to hear from Jefferson McCarley, General Manager at Mission Bicycle. Mission Bicycle has been hand-building bikes in the Mission district since 2008. Their bicycles are made to order and optimized for city riding, and (almost) every detail can be customized, from the type of gears and handlebars to the multitude […] Read more
MONTHLY GOODS: SCISSORS & CLOTH
Products we love: the aprons and custom pieces from Scissors & Cloth! Scissors and Cloth is a lifestyle brand based in downtown San Francisco. They have been SFMade members since 2012, and specialize in custom swag for the bar and restaurant industry as well as bespoke clothing. Using formal and casual elements, their pieces are […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Modify Watches
We got a chance to interview Aaron, CEO at Modify Watches, in February 2017. Modify Watches is a cool watchmaker – their watches are hand-assembled in San Francisco, feature colorful, interchangeable bands, and offer options to customize them with your own photo or design. They also boast a fun, active community of fans who vote […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Millie Lottie
Products we love: the sophisticated totes from Millie Lottie! Millie Lottie joined SFMade in mid-2016 and offers a line of accessories used for everything from cooking to transporting food and setting the table. Their signature products are food totes and wraps with a removable cutting board – Learn more on their website! More about the […] Read more
The Manufacturing Foundry at 150 Hooper
SFMade and PlaceMade are pleased to announce the availability of production space in our brand-new, affordable manufacturing building in San Francisco: The Manufacturing Foundry at 150 Hooper, coming June 2018. Located in the Design District, 150 Hooper comprises four floors and will have over 50,000 SF of multi-tenant, manufacturing space. Units ranging from 1000 SF […] Read more
Locally-Made Valentines
It’s not too late for some last-minute shopping, and we have great local recommendations of products made in SF! Grab a few treats from Kara’s Cupcakes and Poco Dolce Chocolates, a living wreath from Urban FarmGirls, an alluring outfit from Dark Garden Corsetry, elegant jewelry from Fiat Lux, and a lovely bottle from Eristavi Family Winery! These […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Sharon Z Jewelry
Products we love: the creations of SFMade member Sharon Z Jewelry! Need a beautiful necklace, a pair of timeless earrings, or a special wedding ring? Get them here: www.sharonzjewelry.com/. Read more
Company Spotlight: Circa of America
We interviewed Michael, CEO at Circa of America in January 2017. Circa has been a member of SFMade since 2011 and their 100,000 sq. ft. facility is located in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco. Check out their website and their Instagram page. What is Circa of America? Circa designs and produces some of the […] Read more
OJT & JobsNow! Wage Subsidy Programs
Are you looking to hire a new employee this year? Would you like some recruitment help? Two great programs not only help recruit individuals but reimburse you as well for a portion of their wages: OJT and JobsNow! OJT Wage Subsidy Program On the Job Training (OJT) is a program run by the Office of […] Read more
Help build the Makerforce of the future
Help us to raise $20K to support our YouthMade summer internship program and build the Makerforce of the future. Through YouthMade, we place low-income youths into life-changing experiences with our SFMade companies. Every $1,000 raised funds an internship stipend. We enter into 2017 with vision, passion and commitment, but also with uncertainty. Our groundbreaking YouthMade […] Read more
2016 SFMade Holiday Gift Fair at CCA
HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR LOCALLY MADE GOODS AT CCA SFMade presents its annual holiday fair in collaboration with CCA WHAT: The only holiday gift fair where you walk in and know that every item was made in San Francisco. SFMade presents its 6th Annual Holiday Gift Fair, held at California College of the Arts’ San Francisco […] Read more
Happy new employee at Anchor Brewing Company
We visited Fabian at Anchor Brewing in November 2016. Fabian had found a position of Packaging and Production Assistant at Anchor Brewing through the SFMade Job board a few months back, and we wanted to interview him and learn about his experience. Where were you working before this, and how did you find this position? […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Etta+Billie
Products we love: the sustainable, handcrafted bath and body products from Etta+Billie! Soaps, scrubs, body oils and lotions, you name it! They are all made with organic ingredients and smell absolutely divine! Etta+Billie has been a member of SFMade since 2011 and is a certified Green Business. Check them out here! Read more
Company Spotlight: FAZE Apparel
We interviewed Johnny Travis, co-owner at FAZE Apparel, in November 2016 inside his Mission district store at 3236 21st Street. FAZE has been a member of SFMade since 2011 and has hosted Summer interns through our programs. Check out their website here. What is FAZE Apparel? FAZE is a San Francisco based men’s brand for the […] Read more
Bay Area Summit on Urban Manufacturing
The Bay Area Summit on Urban Manufacturing On November 17, 2016 stakeholders from around the Bay Area came together to celebrate and discuss the future of manufacturing in the region. With almost 450 attendees, including Mayor Lee (San Francisco), Mayor Liccardo (San Jose), Mayor Harrison (Fremont) and Vice-Mayor Washington (Oakland), the Summit launched the Bay […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Sunde White Industries
Sunde White Industries make colorful, cool, and completely unique greeting cards, coloring books + journals! We’re in love. Want one? Find them here. Read more
Company Spotlight: ReGrained
ReGrained makes snack bars by using grain waste from small local breweries, including fellow SFMade member company Triple Voodoo. Currently ReGrained comes in two flavors- honey almond India pale ale (IPA) and chocolate coffee stout. The company was founded by Dan Kurzrock and Jordan Schwartz in 2013. They met at UCLA and both grew up […] Read more
Regional Collaboration Key to a Healthy Manufacturing Ecosystem
Manufacturing is evolving rapidly as digital control, sensing and automation are integrated into every process. The San Francisco Bay Area is rich in industrial commons and well placed to take advantage of this evolution due to its history as a center for high technology manufacturing and manufacturing innovation. However, it is clear that the greatest […] Read more
Make to Manufacture Advanced Manufacturing Playbook
Released on Manufacturing Day, October 7th 2016, this report is intended to catalyze thinking around the future of manufacturing and inspire action to strengthen the advanced manufacturing sector San Francisco. Read more
38Makers Holiday Fair at Pinterest
38Makers 2016 Holiday Gift Fair November 5 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | $5 651 Brannan Street, San Francisco DISCOVER SFMADE GOODS AT PINTEREST’S NEW HEADQUARTERS! SFMade and Pinterest present third annual shopping event with new vendors and new location WHAT: 38Makers kicks off the season with an early gift fair specially curated by Pinterest for shoppers looking […] Read more
Celebrate National Manufacturing Day on October 7th
Join the rest of the country and celebrate our U.S. manufacturers by attending an event hosted by an SFMade member company on National Manufacturing Day. In true SF style, there is a range of factories—from cupcake to apparel makers—opening their doors! We invite you to attend the following events, all taking place around Manufacturing Day 2016: […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Crunch Culture
Product We Love: Almond and coconut yogurt together in one? Our favorite summer snack is the newest revolution in non-dairy foods, and it’s paired with creative granola flavors. Think basil infused yogurt with dried strawberries, slivered almonds and granola. Want one? Find them here. Read more
Company Spotlight: Pagoda Arts
Pagoda Arts was founded in 2010 with the idea of making laser cutting technology more accessible to small businesses and artists. The company brings ideas and designs to life with laser cutting, engraving and custom stencils. Owner Alex Thompson first started using laser technology in 2000 during his career as an architectural model maker. His […] Read more
Inaugural Bay Area Summit on Urban Manufacturing
HEAR FROM THE EXPERTSMayor Edwin Lee (San Francisco), Mayor Sam Liccardo (San Jose), Mayor Bill Harrison (Fremont) and Vice-Mayor Campbell Washington (Oakland) will sit together for an exciting conversation about manufacturing in their local communities, how their cities are connected and the launch of the Bay Area Urban Manufacturing Initiative. You’ll hear the national perspective on urban manufacturing from Robert Annibale, Global Director of Citi Community Development. Don Howard, […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Vacay Style
Product We Love: Looking for the perfect travel threads this summer? With curated 5-piece collections that mix and match to make 14+ outfits, all our travel prayers have been answered thanks to Vacay Style! Want one? Find them here. Read more
Company Spotlight: Nomiku
“Feels good to do the impossible everyday,” said Lisa Fetterman, CEO of Nomiku. Lisa is referring to reskilling folks for high tech manufacturing, something she said people told her would be impossible in the U.S. Nomiku started in 2012, after Lisa left the restaurant industry to make a DIY common professional kitchen tool for home […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Cannella Spirits
Product We Love: This new member sources some of the best cinnamon in the world to bring you a unique spirit, a cinnamon liqueur that makes for a zesty addition to cocktails! Want one? Find them here. Read more
Company Spotlight: UBI-IND Denim
Veteran apparel industry professional, Ulrich Conrad Simpson, known lovingly within the industry as “Ubi”, has a unique business, producing high quality jeans for men who want a great looking and great fitting pair. Ubi was having all of his jeans made in Los Angeles before he attended SFMade’s “How to Manufacture Locally” workshop. “We started […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
Home to many of San Francisco’s manufacturing businesses, the Speakeasy Ales and Lagers brewery is tucked away in the Bayview. Having grown from just four employees to a total of 50 since 1997, Speakeasy boasts that business is good and therefore needed more dedicated employees. Jerron and Keith were born and raised in Visitation Valley […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Prisma Guitars
It doesn’t take a guitar player to recognize how cool Prisma Guitars are. All of them are built using the wood from broken and used skateboards. Prisma Guitars are all 100% handmade and the colors are completely one-of-a-kind for every build. Nick Pourfard, a self taught woodworker and industrial design student, started the business based […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Hot Chakras Yoga
Guys, feeling left out at yoga class with your black and blue shorts amongst all the snazzy patterns? Jessica Zavala, owner of Hot Chakras Yoga has you covered. After being a yogi for nearly ten years, Jessica decided to make it her mission to develop fun, wild and colorful yoga shorts and capris that everyone […] Read more
Join us for Ramp it Up!
Tickets include general entrance, drinks, food, and an SFMade shopping bag from Rickshaw Bagworks. Bites provided by Whole Foods Market. Printed on the spot t-shirts by Social Imprints, Beer floats from Humphry Slocombe, and more from the following SFMade companies: Future Glory Co, UBI-Ind, Beneduci Shoes, Eileen Walsh, Blackbird Guitar, Elem Body, Sutton Cellars, and Nosh […] Read more
Monthly Goods: Beneduci Shoes
Product: We love footwear made to last, especially The Workboot, a vintage design duplicated for authenticity, long life and comfort. Made with oil infused calf skin from Milwaukee WI, this leather heals most scratches and is semi waterproof. About: Owner Frank Beneduci was born in Brockton Massachusetts in the 1960s and was the grandson of […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Fort Point Beer Co
Fort Point Beer Company is the only SFMade member we know of that’s manufacturing at the Presidio. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the brewery makes for an iconic backdrop—and a visual reinforcement that this is a company planning on being a San Francisco brand for many years to come. Two years ago […] Read more
2015 SFMade Holiday Gift Fair
SFMade presents its fifth Annual Holiday Gift Fair on Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at California College of the Arts in San Francisco. The shopping extravaganza is free and open to the public and features locally made gift items from over 60 SFMade vendors. The fair’s unique products include jewelry, bags, chocolate, […] Read more
SFMade & San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
SFMade and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the continuation of a small business partnership into 2016! Through this partnership SFMade members are granted a networker level membership ($1000 value) to the SF Chamber and with that, entry and connection to the Chamber’s wide array of events and resources. We invite […] Read more
38Makers
38Makers Holiday Gift Fair November 21 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | $5 580 7th Street, San Francisco WHAT: 38Makers is a holiday gift fair specially curated by Pinterest for early-bird shoppers looking for artisan, locally-made gifts in a unique and festive setting! Imagine you discover a Pinterest board of hand-picked holiday gifts from […] Read more
4th Annual State of Local Manufacturing
4th Annual State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast San Francisco, CA | The W Hotel Thursday, November 5, 2015 from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM The Fourth Annual State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast, presented by SFMade in partnership with Mayor Lee and the City of San Francisco, will unveil the results of the State of Local Manufacturing survey […] Read more
MFG Day 2015
Join us for a week of events September 28th through October 2nd celebrating National Manufacturing Day! Dogpatch Food & Wine Tour: A behind-the-scenes food tour of one of our favorite makerhoods, the Dogpatch. Featuring Maison de Monaco, Poco Dolce, and Sutton Cellars. 9/28 | 12-1:30 p.m. | $10 From Design to Manufacture: What’s Possible in […] Read more
Makers Making Makers: Youth Interns at Imagination Supply Co
By Genise Choy, Workforce and Youth Programming Intern Toy manufacturer Imagination Supply Co. is in the business of making makers. From their new space in Potrero Hill* equipped with a laser cutter and 3D printer, they design and craft DIY kits for kids to build their own playthings, from go karts to miniature dining sets. […] Read more
YouthMade: Natalie, Julia Turner Studio and The Aesthetic Union
By Genise Choy SFMade Workforce and Youth Programming Intern There’s a lot going on inside the Heath Ceramics’s San Francisco building*: Blue Bottle’s café fills the air with the smell of coffee, the Heath tile factory floor hums behind a wall of windows, and to the right is Heath’s expertly curated retail store. But there’s […] Read more
SF Design History: Phoenix Day’s Archived Drawings
On our latest visit to Phoenix Day, a lighting and metalwork manufacturer based in the Bayview, the team shared with us a collection of over 2,000 drawings made between the 1920s and 1970s by their former senior designer. Phoenix Day is one of San Francisco’s oldest businesses, and played an important role in the rebuilding […] Read more
The Monthly Goods: Petel’s Assaita Clutch
Product We Love: Each Petel design is unique, sewn in San Francisco and made from vintage West African ceremonial blankets handwoven in a traditional style by master Fulani weavers. Proceeds support their efforts to train the next generation of weavers. The fabric used for this clutch is more than thirty years old. Want one? Find […] Read more
Bolt: The Electric Motorbike Made Here
“I moved to San Francisco in 2006, and back then Craigstlist was good to me. I found my job, my apartment, and my first moped,” says Nathan Jauvtis. “I so quickly realized that these two-wheelers were perfect for getting around the city.” Jauvtis is the owner of Bolt Motorbikes, a company manufacturing a fully electric […] Read more
Ramp It Up!
On May 7th we celebrated our 5th anniversary at Ramp It Up! It was a fun-filled night of shopping, networking, and collaborations. Here are some photos by Neumatic Digital of the event. Read more
Welcome Home to Henry’s House of Coffee
Henry’s House of Coffee is a family business. Third generation roaster and current proprietor Hrag learned the trade from his father, who learned the trade from his. There is a sense of pride in each cup of coffee that is served there, along with a profound history. The business first began in Lebanon where Hrag’s […] Read more
Presenting the SFMade Earthquake Kit!
When catastrophe strikes on the San Andres fault there’s no reason not to be prepared, especially now with the SFMade earthquake survival kit. It has everything you need to survive. It’s locally made. And most importantly, it’s artisanal. The kit includes: ~Droplet from Crave. Because your vibrator will be too bulky (wink wink) to carry […] Read more
Opening This Weekend: The Yard at Mission Rock!
Baseball and SFMade fans get ready for The Yard at Mission Rock! The pop-up village constructed out of recycled shipping containers is open to the public starting Friday, and will house: Rotating pop-up shops from SFMade members Local food and drink establishments Public open space and cultural and community programs and events PLUS, sales at […] Read more
Turning One Man’s Dream Into a Reality
The first thing you notice about Tunde from Tunde San Francisco is his impeccable style. Dressed to impress in a blazer, trousers, and a pocket square, the true pinnacle of his outfit is his oxford shirt, self-designed and made in San Francisco. A few months ago that oxford shirt was just a dream. Having […] Read more
February Newsletter: Meet These Bag Makers, Our Favorite Kombucha, and More SFMade News
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs SFMade OrientationMarch 10th Learn what we do and how we help manufacturers to succeed! How to Manufacture Locally for Food & Beverage Products Thursday, March 26th If you are planning to produce food or Beverage products, this session is for you! Featuring guest speaker, Mary Gassen of Noe Valley Bakery. […] Read more
Mafia Bags: One Big Happy Family (Seriously)
We’ve seen our fair share of upcycled products, but bags made out of recycled sails? That was a new one. Mafia Bags first came to SFMade through our How to Manufacture Locally for Apparel and Sewn Products workshop. The start-up company uses materials from recycled kite surf, wind surf and boat sails to construct backpacks, […] Read more
Biro & Sons: Silver in SOMA
By Katy Podbielski, Workforce Hiring Intern Nestled between the beer gardens and tiny tech offices in SOMA lies an old-fashioned art you’d be surprised to discover. Biro & Sons is a silversmith business that was started by Alex Biro, who learned the trade while serving as an apprentice in Hungary during the early 20th century. […] Read more
Members, Get Involved in SFMade Week 2015!
The time has come again! SFMade Week is May 4th-10th, and we want your participation! For those of you that don’t know, SFMade Week features seven days of education, exploration, and innovation, designed to celebrate and heighten local awareness and understanding of the local manufacturing sector and the companies and people who bring locally made […] Read more
Modify Watches
By: Katy Podbielski Workforce and Hiring Intern, SFMade One of the greatest aspects of life in San Francisco is the city pride that holds strong in the hearts of local residents: we all want to live, work, and play in the Bay. One of the ways SFMade helps local businesses and job seekers find […] Read more
Make the Holidays Sweeter at these SFMade Storefronts
Looking for a last-minute treat to put under the tree or on the table? Or maybe you just need to stop in somewhere and get some sweet relief from holiday shopping? We’ve got you covered. Hearth Coffee (just opened!) Hearth’s brand new cafe and roastery opened its doors in the Castro just in time for the […] Read more
Discover Locally Made in San Francisco
Our new Discover Locally Made map is here! Click here to view full size version. *SFMade member DODOcase also welcomes walk in customers during business hours at 2525 3rd Street. Read more
This weekend: Gifts from vendors new to our 4th Annual Holiday Sale
Find something for everyone at our upcoming 4th Annual Holiday Gift Fair this weekend! Each day will feature 40 different local manufacturers and artisans who make their products in San Francisco. Make your shopping plan and view the vendor list for Sat & Sun here. *New this year* Live demos and Lev’s Kombucha on both days, and hot mulled […] Read more
Relax, It’s Just the Holidays! Holiday Fair Gifts for Stress Relief
Find something for everyone at our upcoming 4th Annual Holiday Gift Fair! Each day will feature 40 different local manufacturers and artisans who make their products in San Francisco. Make your shopping plan and view the vendor list for Sat & Sun here. *New this year* Live demos and Lev’s Kombucha on both days, and hot mulled […] Read more
Gifts for the accessory lover at our 4th Annual Holiday Gift Fair
Find something for everyone at our upcoming 4th Annual Holiday Gift Fair! Each day will feature 40 different local manufacturers and artisans who make their products in San Francisco. New this year there will be live demos and Lev’s Kombucha both days, and hot mulled wine from Sutton Cellars on Saturday.Here are a few unique […] Read more
Gifts for the Sweet Tooth at 38Makers
A few gifts for the sweet tooth at the 38Makers holiday gift fair inside the colorful and pintastic Pinterest headquarters! We’re thinking stocking stuffers… or maybe just office snacks. Shop while enjoying free sweet and savory holiday treats and beverages donated by Pinchefs Tony and Danielle of the Compass Group. New SFMade members Le Dix-Sept will have nougut […] Read more
Gifts for SF’s Biggest Fans at 38Makers
A few gifts for all the San Francisco die-hards at the 38Makers holiday gift fair inside the colorful and pintastic Pinterest headquarters! Shop while enjoying free sweet and savory holiday treats and beverages donated by Pinchefs Tony and Danielle of the Compass Group. Say happy holidays with your favorite bridge featured in these lovely cards from Notefiy. Good thing […] Read more
Sold-Out Crowd heard about growing sector at State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast
SFMade’s 3rd Annual State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast opened to a sold-out crowd of 240 professionals connected to the local manufacturing sector. Mayor Ed Lee inspired the crowd with his 5-point PDR (Production, Distribution and Repair) work plan to create more space for industrial uses in San Francisco. Kate Sofis, SFMade’s Founding Executive Director, presented the […] Read more
Gifts to Get Cozy: More Holiday Gifts at 38 Makers
A few gifts to get you all cozy at the 38Makers holiday gift fair inside the colorful and pintastic Pinterest headquarters! Shop while enjoying free sweet and savory holiday treats and beverages donated by Pinchefs Tony and Danielle of the Compass Group. Shorter days call for long leggings (and hoodies!) from DDCC. Pladra says this heavyweight 100% cotton flannel […] Read more
2014 SFMade Holiday Gift Fair
Join us on Facebook The SFMade Holiday Gift Fair is back with a two-day shopping extravaganza featuring locally made gift items from 80 vendors! *New* This year there will be special holiday-themed DIY booths and demos from select vendors. Saturday: DIY vertical garden demo from Urban Farmgirls at 2 p.m. Live letterpress demos with Lilikoi (ongoing). Sunday: […] Read more
2014 State of Local Manufacturing Report
Read the Annual State of Local Manufacturing Report outlining the sector’s impact, opportunities and challenges. Download it here Read more
Social Imprints
By: Katy Podbielski Workforce and Hiring Intern, SFMade Social Imprints is a local business and SFMade member that manufactures quality screen-printed items and boasts an impressive 95% customer satisfaction rate. Social Imprints is also well known for its mission to provide career opportunities and a living wage to residents in San Francisco who need a second […] Read more
38 Makers
Saturday, November 22nd 2014 11:00AM – 5:00PM at the Pinterest Headquarters Join on Facebook! 38Makers is a holiday gift fair specially curated by Pinterest for the early-bird shoppers looking for artisan, locally-made gifts in a unique and festive setting! Imagine you stumble upon a Pinterest board of hand-picked holiday gifts from makers in your city, and […] Read more
Halloween
Halloween is next week! These SFMade companies have great locally made products to help you celebrate. Glammic: Looking for a children’s costume? From dinosaurs to unicorns, Glammic has a variety of options available. Find them here. Bowtie Factory: The Bowtie Factory offers a more elegent approach to Halloween. Find them here. Headline Shirts: Interested in a simple […] Read more
Individual tickets now available for the 3rd Annual State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast
Join SFMade at our 3rd Annual State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast. Hear from Mayor Ed Lee on the City’s efforts to support local manufacturing. Kate Sofis, SFMade’s Founding Executive Director will reveal the results of our annual State of Local Manufacturing survey and discuss the latest trends in the manufacturing sector. Learn about Magnolia Brewing’s growth and discover what’s happening in […] Read more
Company Spotlight: Betsy Barron
We visited Betsy Barron’s jewelry gallery and atelier, Love & Luxe last week to learn about how the jeweler got started and the mission behind her retail business. “I’ve been making jewelry since high school. My mother had a jewelry business and would host these parties where women would come over and she would design beaded […] Read more
Manex Consulting Events
Our partner is hosting two great consulting events happening on October 22nd and 23rd. Risk Management – Supply Chain Development Tools October 22, 2014: 9:00am – 5:00pm Risk is everywhere and it impacts companies large and small. It doesn’t sleep and it often shows up uninvited. This session helps you to identify the triggers of risk […] Read more
Celebrate National Manufacturing Day on October 3rd
Join the rest of the country and celebrate our U.S. manufacturers by attending an event hosted by an SFMade member company on National Manufacturing Day. In true SF style, there are a range of factories—from chocolate makers to 3D printers—opening their doors including: Blackbird Guitars Poco Dolce DODOcase Moddler DNA Group Bluxome Street Winery and […] Read more
September News: The New Factory on the Block, Fun with IG and More
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs Strategic Planning Workshop Today In this workshop we will offer an overview of the strategic planning process to help you establish objectives, goals, and strategies to help maximize profitability and set your company’s direction.How to Manufacture Locally for Apparel & Sewn Products Thursday, September 25th If you’re planning to […] Read more
Company Spotlight: MiraVos Jewelry
In 2007 Roxanne Goodfellow bought a bracelet in Buenos Aires, its design specifically modeled after the Recoleta neighborhood, the hub of the city’s aristocracy, french architecture and the famous Recoleta cemetery. Every time she received a compliment on the bracelet, she talked about the neighborhood. Roxanne had been working in commercial theatre for over 20 […] Read more
Save Time and Make a Job Description Count
Remember these four points when writing a job description and you’ll get better applications hitting your inbox pronto. 1. Keep duties and requirements separate. There should be two distinct parts of your job description: skills and experience required and a separate description of the actual duties. 2. State a salary range for hourly positions. DOE […] Read more
How To Use The SFMade Brand: Spotlight on McVicker Pickles
What They’re Making: Pickled veggies, mustards, and the like. How They Use the SFMade Brand: Walk into Pig and Pie, where Kelly makes her products, and you’ll see a beautiful display shelf with dill pickles, spicy dilly green beans, and the SFMade logo front and center. Hint: Her products can also be found on the […] Read more
Four Things You Should Know When Planning to Open a Retail Space
There’s a lot you’ll need to know before you open a retail space, but for brevity’s sake we compiled some of the key lessons learned by Jonathan Plotzker of Heliotrope while opening his new space on Valencia and 15th Street. It’s a joint venture, featuring home furnishings and accessories for human and animal friends, and Heliotrope’s own skin […] Read more
Apply for Ebay’s Investival
Do you want to reach new customers? Are you also looking for investors? Do you want to develop a working relationship with ebay Inc.? Come and meet the employees at ebay Inc. on October 2nd, 2014! Ebay Inc. is partnering with SFMade to connect small businesses with the tools they need to grow. If you […] Read more
Instagram Takeover Week: Companies
Our first Instagram takeover week is next week, and we are excited to introduce our participating companies! From September 15th – 19th each day one of the companies will take over our Instagram to show us how their product is made. Make sure to join us and follow our Instagram throughout the week. #sfmadetakeover NANA JOES GRANOLA September 15th […] Read more
3rd Annual State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast
WHAT? SFMade’s Third Annual State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast is a limited-capacity, high-level event that offers a fantastic opportunity to visibly demonstrate your support of our efforts and to learn about new opportunities and deals arising in the rapidly growing local manufacturing sector. SFMade, in partnership with Mayor Lee and the City of San Francisco, […] Read more
The Monthly Goods: Austin Press
Product We Love: Some of the prettiest letterpress we’ve seen is done right here in San Francisco, and Austin Press has been printing away in her lovely Pier 70 studio for ten years. We think these letterpress Thank You cards with gold foil are perfect for anyone, and we’re not the only ones, she’s an […] Read more
SF’s New Gluten-Free Kitchen from Leadbetter’s Bake Shop
Last time we wrote a story on Jamieson Leadbetter he was just getting his English muffin business off the ground. Jamieson comes from a long-line of bakers and entrepreneurs, starting with Nancy Leadbetter, who opened the first Leadbetter’s Bakery in Portland, Maine in 1931. A few years ago Jamieson decided to get out of office […] Read more
Photos: YouthMade Summer 2014
This summer about 20 interns are working at SFMade member companies through SFMade and Juma Venture’s YouthMade program. We went out to their host companies to check out what a few of them were up to! Read more
Company Spotlight: Studio for Metropolitan Craft
Want to take your city home with you? Meet Studio for Metropolitan Craft, an architectural model company with build-your-own table top models of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sutro Tower, Oakland waterfront cranes, and more of your favorite local landmarks. Laurence Srinivasan was working as an architect when he realized he had a knack for model […] Read more
Workin It! Two YouthMade Interns Hired by SFMade Companies
We’re thrilled to announce that two YouthMade interns were hired by SFMade companies! Kenneth was hired by T-We Tea to work at the store in the Crocker Galleria and Carol was hired by Timbuk2 to work in the indirect sales department. Both are headed to college in the fall. Carol and Kenneth were part of […] Read more
Your SFMade Summer Cocktail Recipe with No.209 Gin
Distillery No.209 is a true SFMade artisanal spirit: It’s made right on the water in the shadows of AT & T park. Plus, they work with local bartenders to create mouth-watering cocktails. Here’s the perfect summer drink from Zachary Safron of Gaspar Brasserie: Rosie’s Elevation 1.5 oz No.209 Gin .75 oz Lemon Juice .5 oz […] Read more
Application: SFMade & Pinterest Holiday Sale
You’re invited to apply as a vendor for the first SFMade and Pinterest holiday sale, held at the Pinterest headquarters! When: Saturday, November 22nd 11 am -5 pm Cost: $100 Number of vendors: 40 You will be provided with one 6 x 3 table, booth sizes TBD. CRITERIA Vendors will be selected by Pinterest and […] Read more
How To Use The SFMade Brand: Spotlight on Nana Joes Granola
What They’re Making: Granola and specialty items made with love, freshness and a focus on sustainability. How They Use the SFMade Brand: You’ll find the SFMade logo in black and white on the back of her beautiful canvas bags—made right down the street from her factory at Rickshaw Bagworks. “The SFMade logo always sparks the […] Read more
How Many Minutes Late is Late? How Defining Lateness Can Encourage Your Employees to Arrive On Time
We know that most SFMade companies are small and feel like a family. You expect your employees to treat you the way you like to be treated, without having to spell everything out. But attendance issues happen at all kinds of businesses, so it’s important to address them with clear communication. Here are some helpful […] Read more
Five Ways to Create a Productive Shared Manufacturing Space
Hopefully you picked up a few lessons about sharing in kindergarten, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Especially when it comes to sharing business space, tools and expenses. With some help from SFMade three jewelry businesses, Corey Egan, Sharon Z Jewelry and Luana Coonen just moved into a light-filled studio in the heart of […] Read more
Meet Your Local Cut & Sew Contractor, Globia Design
Inside Globia Design Group’s factory sewing machines hum, Chinese pop songs blast out from the radio, large windows open up the room to a view of downtown San Francisco, and William Lin sits at his desk. Lin’s parents started Globia Design Group about 15 years ago and have now retired the apparel factory to him […] Read more
A Different Kind of Motorcycle Business
Many businesses start with people building things in garages. For the guys at Mission Motors, it was electric motorcycles. But to get there the team needed the parts and the technology to build an electric motor, which didn’t exist. So, they started making them from scratch. Mission Motors now sells electric and hybrid powertrain products […] Read more
Three for Three at Aion LED
Aion LED is three for three! When the custom lighting fixture company was hiring they listed three open positions on the SFMade job board and filled all of them with our help, and with help from our workforce partners, Mission Hiring Hall and the Laney College Machine Technology and Industrial Maintenance Program. The new team […] Read more
June Newsletter: Summer Products, Parties and More
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs How to Manufacture Locally for Apparel and Sewn Products Wed, June 11th If you’re planning on producing apparel or sewn products, this workshop is for you! Fashion Rules! (And Laws) Wed, June 25th Learn how to protect your work, the dos and don’ts of social media and sharing content, […] Read more
Video: Ramp it Up! Award Winners
Every year SFMade honors San Francisco manufacturers for exemplifying the values of SFMade: Manufacturing a quality product, exhibiting innovation, creating jobs for the local economy and making a significant and positive contribution to the SFMade community. We also honor an individual or an organization who has made an extraordinary contribution to making San Francisco a […] Read more
April Newsletter: Create Your Own Locally Made Adventure
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs Hiring Made EasierTuesday, April 1st This workshop will teach you everything you need to know about hiring employees and complying with all of the applicable laws and regulations. SFMade Orientation Tuesday, April 8th Come learn what we do and how we help manufacturers. How to Manufacture Locally for Apparel and […] Read more
February Newsletter: Mark Your Calendars for SFMade Week!
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs SFMade OrientationTuesday, March 11th Come learn what we do and how we help manufacturers. Making Returns Wednesday, March 19th An investment presentation and networking event for growing manufacturers, individual investors and service providers. Hear from a local manufacturer about a successful equity investment round, and from a seasoned investor. […] Read more
Members, Get Involved: SFMade Week is May 5th-11th
SFMade Week features seven days of education, exploration, and innovation, designed to celebrate and heighten local awareness and understanding of the local manufacturing sector and the companies and people who bring locally made products to fruition. How to Get Involved: PLAN AN EVENT There will be four types of events happening during SFMade Week: Factory […] Read more
Don’t Miss Out: JobsNow Wage Subsidy
Heard of wage subsidies but don’t know how to take advantage of them? SFMade member Lila B Design figured it out, and so can you! The company, which makes container gardens and living landscapes, hired Nathena three months ago as a part-time employee and they’re getting $5,000 of her wages reimbursed to them over a […] Read more
January Newsletter: Deepening Our Impact
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs SFMade OrientationTuesday, February 18th Come learn what we do and how we help manufacturers. How to Manufacture Locally for Apparel and Sewn Products Tuesday, February 25th If you’re planning on producing apparel or sewn products, this workshop is for you! SFMade and Gorilly Roll Out First Mobile Showroom Coming […] Read more
Legislation Introduced to Support City’s Manufacturing Sector
Read the press release here. Read more
Introducing the SFMade Recruiting and Hiring Manual
SFMade presents a hiring and recruiting manual for our members who are making their first hires! This guide includes information on how to recruit and select candidates, onboard new employees, comply with regulations, and access workforce incentives. Access it here. Read more
October Newsletter: SFMade Holiday Fair and More
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs SFMade Orientation Tuesday, November 12th Come learn what we do and how we help manufacturers. SFMade Thanksgiving Factory Tour and Tastings Tuesday, November 12th Celebrate Thanksgiving with SFMade food and beverage manufacturers! Luke’s Local will be opening up their commercial ktichen so you can meet the SFMade foodmakers they […] Read more
2013 State of Local Manufacturing Report
Read the Annual State of Local Manufacturing Report outlining the sector’s impact, opportunities and challenges. Download it here. Read more
Inside Manufacturing
SFMade launched Inside Manufacturing in 2013, a specialized program that combines both educational and experiential elements to expose high school students to the local manufacturing economy in San Francisco. The program is currently funded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Jewish Vocational Services. The goal of Inside Manufacturing is to introduce students […] Read more
Capital Eyewear: Handcrafted Wood and Acetate Sunglasses
You wear them every day. Shed a tear when you accidentally step on them. Get into bidding wars for them on eBay. But when’s the last time you bought a pair of sunglasses and knew where they were made or who made them? At Capital Steven Kilzner makes each pair of glasses by hand, right […] Read more
September News: The New Accelerator, Handcrafted Body Products, and More
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs Practical Problem Solving Monday, September 30th This workshop will teach you a systematic way of solving problems that will transform your business. Six Sigma is a critical problem solving tool that can be applied to any area of business operations to create the highest levels of productivity and efficiency. Come learn form […] Read more
Kauffman Foundation Awards Urban Manufacturing Alliance $150,000 for Support of Manufacturing Sector in the U.S.
Oakland, CA, September 30, 2013 – As dozens of domestic manufacturing leaders from across the country convene in the city of Oakland this week, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced its award of $150,000 to the Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA). A national collaborative supporting local manufacturing in cities, the UMA is the only organization of […] Read more
Your Map Was Born Here
Woodcut Maps Blends Technology & Craft to Make Personalized Maps Remember the exact spot where you fell in love? How about your favorite neighborhood during your last vacation? Thanks to Woodcut Maps, you can commemorate a special place by designing your own wood inlay map and carrying it with you on your iphone (they also […] Read more
Jack/Knife Outfitters: Clothing Made to Last, and Now Sold Online
They started with motorcycles. John and Nick met at the University of Georgia, and spent many hours of their friendship buying old bikes and fixing them up in a garage. At some point they began repairing clothing too. “I realized that clothing could be compared to tools— we wear out our clothing just like we […] Read more
State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast-Sponsorship Information
A renaissance of local urban manufacturing is underway and San Francisco is leading the charge! We invite you to SFMade’s 2nd Annual State of Local Manufacturing Breakfast on October 31st, from 7:30-10 am at The W Hotel. Learn how the resurgence in local production is fueling growth in San Francisco and what this means for […] Read more
August News: Save the Date, Coffee & Clothes Makers, Plus More
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs SFMade Orientation Tuesday, September 10th Learn what we do and how we help manufacturers! How to Manufacture Locally for Apparel and Sewn Manufacturers Tuesday, September 24th If you're thinking about producing apparel or sewn products this session is for you! Problem Solving Workshop Monday, September 30th Lear how to accelerate profits […] Read more
Honoring Sally Spicer
It’s with great sadness that we share this news with our community: The founder of Sally Spicer Bags – Sally Spicer Bergman – passed away last month. She had gracefully been fighting a battle with cancer, but finally succumbed to the disease surrounded by friends, family and the people she loved most. Sally Spicer bags […] Read more
July News: Ten SFMade Companies to Follow on Social Media, and More News
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs How to Manufacture Locally- For Apparel Tuesday, July 30th If you're planning to produce apparel or sewn products, this session is for you! SFMade Orientation Thursday, August 8th Learn what we do and how we help manufacturers! Export Opportunities for Food & Beverage Manufacturers Wednesday, August 14th Learn how your […] Read more
Application: 2013 SFMade Holiday Gift Fair
You’re invited to apply as a vendor for the 2013 SFMade Holiday Fair! This year we’re taking over the beautiful Fort Mason Fleet Room for two days. Fort Mason is home to hundreds of shopping events throughout the year, including the weekly Farmers Market coinciding on the second day of the fair. The event will […] Read more
Five Things You Need to Know About Doing a Retail Pop-Up
To pop-up or not to pop-up? Pop-ups can be a great way to expose your brand to new markets, meet your online customers face-to-face, and create another revenue source, but what should you consider before doing one? Here are a few things to think about: 1. Determine the right kind of space for your business. […] Read more
June News: Our New Youth Internship Program, and More News
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs SFMade Orientation Tuesday, July 9th Learn what we do and how we help manufacturers to succeed. Making Your First Hire Tuesday, July 23rd Are you thinking about hiring your first employee? Have you hired some employees but not sure you've done everything correctly? This workshop will give you everything you […] Read more
Announcing the Winners of the Citibank Local Manufacturers Awards
We’re pleased to announce the winners of the Citibank Local Manufacturer Awards! Three small businesses won $12,000 to help them grow. 1st Place-$5,000: iDreamcase – www.idreamcase.com 2nd Place – $4,000: Dimension 3 – www.dimension3sf.com 3rd Place – $3,000: Woodcut Maps – www.woodcutmaps.com The winning companies were selected during SFMade Week, May 6 – 12, a […] Read more
May News: San Francisco’s 3D printer, absinthe distillery, and more news
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs An Apparel Factory Tour Thursday, May 30th A unique opportunity to see a sewing factory in action! SFMade Orientation Tuesday, June 12th Learn what we do and how we help manufacturing companies to succeed! How to Manufacture Locally Tuesday, June 18th If you are planning to produce metal or building/furniture products, […] Read more
Discover SFMade products at Citibank during SFMade Week
Head to your local Citibank during SFMade Week to discover SFMade products made in your hood! Manufacturer’s goods and information will be displayed in San Francisco branches from May 6th-12th, where you can review and cast your vote for your favorite local manufacturer. Winners will receive a Citibank Local Manufacturer Award and get cash prizes […] Read more
Meet more SFMade members sponsoring SFMade Week
Meet the Member Companies Sponsoring SFMade Week – An ongoing series Bi-Rite Family of Businesses With two markets, a creamery, and a PUBLIC label, we don't need to tell you about Bi-Rite's contribution to the local manufacturing sector. Walk into their market, and you'll find aisles celebrating local producers. Their PUBLIC label turns the notion of a private […] Read more
Meet more SFMade members sponsoring SFMade Week
Meet the Member Companies Sponsoring SFMade Week – An ongoing series *These SFMade members, among others, will be participating at Ramp It Up! Check out which ones will have Interactive Maker Stations, booths inviting you to sample products, see how they're made, or make them yourself! Buy your tickets here. Heath Ceramics- Ramp It Up! 2013 Host Edith Heath founded Heath Ceramics […] Read more
Meet the SFMade Members Sponsoring SFMade Week
Meet the Member Companies Sponsoring SFMade Week Hilside Bags As a high school student, Hilary Wehlitz was the “go to girl” for friends and family who needed a unique handbag. By hand sewing remnant fabrics from old jeans and dresses, she was there to bail them out of all their potential fashion malfunctions. Fast forward, and […] Read more
SFMade Members: Host a Youth Intern at Your Business
YOUTHMADE: An innovative new collaboration between SFMade and Juma Ventures. YouthMade matches manufacturing businesses in San Francisco with the next generation of makers. Interns are local low-income students who are college-bound and will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree. WHY 100% of youth (ages 18-21) have participated in work-readiness training from Juma […] Read more
SFMade Week Home
SFMade Week May 6-12 A week-long celebration of San Francisco’s vibrant manufacturing sector. Read more
Spotlight on Cayson Culinary Designs
In its 20th year, Cayson Culinary Designs has grown on the strength of its quality, attention to detail, and supreme customer service. Cayson’s classic line of culinary apparel has attracted some of the City’s most loved restauranteurs and chefs. Cayson Design’s founder, Lynette Cayson has been in the apparel business for over 25 years. In […] Read more
March Newsletter: Meet Our New Staff Member and Community Builders
The Elegant Email Company SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs Women in Manufacturing Tonight This popular panel returns with three new female leaders in the industry. SFMade Orientation April 9th Learn what we do and how we help manufacturers to succeed! Finding and Securing Production Space for Your Business April 24th Through a series of case […] Read more
Spotlight on Awesome Bars
Sisters Leah and Stephanie have hand-crafted the ultimate all natural, uber delicious energy bar. It’s wrapped in biodegradable paper, made in San Francisco, and sold in over 100 local cafes and natural food stores. You can’t get more wholesome than that. The business began in 2010 when Chef Leah was training for a marathon, and […] Read more
Spotlight on Cut Loose
Rosmarie Ovian has always loved the sound of a sewing machine and the production process. Rosemarie began her 29 years of local manufacturing experience as an Assistant Manager at one of Koret’s San Francisco factories manufacturing women’s clothing. For the past 23 years she has been General Manager and then Co-Owner of Cut Loose, a […] Read more
Spotlight on T-We Tea
Chris Coccagna has big plans for tea in San Francisco Truth, beauty, and community. Chris Coccagna started T-We Tea in 2010 with those three guiding principles and three handcrafted tea blends. Now he has more than 18 blends, all found inside his new retail store in the Crocker Galleria. Brightly colored boxes of tea cover […] Read more
Spotlight on California Saw and Knife Works
Making Saws in SOMA Since 1886 About: The factory of California Saw and Knife Works on Brannan and 6th Streets has equipment that’s survived the 1906 earthquake. We’re not quite sure if they’re the oldest manufacturer in San Francisco (Phoenix Day in the Bayview comes close), but they’re most certainly veterans in the industry. Four […] Read more
What’s Your Exit Strategy?
Business advisor Chris Andersen guest blogs about looking towards your business future. Every month I speak privately with business owners and business groups about obtaining growth capital or planning for the sale of their business. I will share insights about 1) when to plan for a sale, 2) the qualities of businesses with high valuations, […] Read more
Tickets Now on Sale for Ramp It Up!
Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite Read more
February Newsletter
The Elegant Email Company SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs SFMade Orientation Tuesday, March 12th Come learn what we do and how we help manufacturers to succeed. How to Manufacture Locally Tuesday, March 19th If you're planning to produce a local product, this session is for you. An Apparel Factory Tour Wednesday, March 20th A unique […] Read more
Ten Ways To Tackle Corporate Responsibility, Guest Blog from Timbuk2
By Lizzy Fallows Brand Experience, Timbuk2 Timbuk2 has continuously manufactured made to order bags in the San Francisco since 1989. We are very proud of our manufacturing heritage in San Francisco and of our thriving made to order business today. But we also manufacture overseas. This blend of at-home and abroad manufacturing enables us to […] Read more
Maker2Maker: Launch a Product with a Buzz, Advice from Tasty Ties
Manufacturing Model: Outsource to local factories Age: 1 Employees: 2 Neighborhood: SOMA Member since: 2012 Product: Bow-ties Website: www.tastyties.com What gave Tasty Tie’s new product launch a buzz? Well, as most buzz’s do, it started with cocktails. After selling out of their first collection- each bowtie representing the spirit of […] Read more
Spotlight on Faze Apparel: Evolution of a Fearless Brand
Manufacturing Model: Outsource to local factories Age: 5 Employees: 2 Neighborhood: Mission Member since: 2011 Product: Men’s hats, hoodies, t-shirts and button downs. Website: www.fazeapparel.com Retail Location: 3236 21st Street, San Francisco “Risky” is a word that comes up often when talking with Johnny Travis and Herbert Gracia, the owners of FAZE Apparel. […] Read more
January News: Meet Your Local Bike Maker, and More News
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs How to Manufacture Locally: Apparel Tuesday, January 29th If you are interested in producing locally made apparel and sewn products, this session is for you. An Apparel Factory Tour Tuesday, February 12th A unique opportunity to see a sewing factory in action. SFMade Orientation Tuesday, February 12th Come learn what we […] Read more
December News: A Big Year for Local Manufacturing
The Elegant Email Company SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs From Maker Movement to Industrial Revolution Tuesday, January 15th Come hear the visionary Chris Anderson, author of New York Times best selling book, Makers: The New Industrial Revolution, speak about how the maker movement (digital tinkering) is scaling up to create a new class of manufacturing […] Read more
November News: How to Shop SFMade This Holiday Season
The Elegant Email Company SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs How to Manufacture Locally- Apparel and Sewn Products Tuesday, November 27th In this highly practical workshop you'll learn how to locally produce apparel and sewn products. Save Energy and Reduce Your Bill Thursday, November 29th Join us for an evening discussion on how PG & E can […] Read more
October Newsletter
SHOP LEARN DONATE Upcoming Programs SFMade OrientationTuesday, October 3rd Learn what we do and how we help manufacturers to succeed. Finding, Securing, and Activating Production Space Tuesday, October 23rd Through a series of case studies highlighting SFMade member companies, we will illustrate what kinds of spaces are available for light industrial production, where they are, […] Read more
Banana Republic Pop-Up Shop Returns— and Goes National
The SFMade Banana Republic Pop-Up Shop is relaunching with new vendors and new locations! Available now inside the Chicago, LA, NYC and SF flagship stores: NYC: Rockefeller Center SF: Grant Ave Chicago: Michigan Ave Los Angeles : 3rd Street Promenade (Santa Monica) Read more
The 2012 State of Local Manufacturing Report
The 2012 State of Local Manufacturing Report— highlighting the industry’s growth, challenges, and opportunities— was released today. Download it here. Read more
Invitation to Apply: SFMade Consumer Products Guide
Due to popular demand, SFMade is launching the SFMade Consumer Products Guide, a new tool to help retailers, organizations, and corporations source and purchase SFMade consumer products. SFMade is regularly approached by entities who want to source locally made products for their stores, staff parties, gifts and other events. This new guide is our way […] Read more
Use Your Card, Donate to SFMade! New Resource Bank’s Planet-Smart Rewards Program
SFMade has been selected as a participant in New Resource Bank’s Planet-Smart Rewards Program! When customers use the New Resource Bank Planet-Smart Debit Card, which comes with every checking account, New Resource Bank automatically makes a donation to SFMade. Every swipe of the debit card earns cash for the Planet-Smart Rewards fund: 5 cents for […] Read more
SFMade Receives Nomination for Ebbies Economic Development Award
SFMade has been nominated for the Economic Development Award at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Annual Ebbies Awards! We’re proud to receive this recognition on behalf of the hundreds of manufacturers building San Francisco’s economic base one business at a time! Read more here. Read more
Invitation to Apply: SFMade Holiday Fair on Dec 9th
Calling all SFMade Members! You’re invited to apply as a vendor for the 2012 SFMade Holiday Fair. This year we’re taking over the beautiful Fort Mason Herbst Pavilion for an even bigger event. Fort Mason is home to hundreds of shopping events throughout the year, including the weekly Farmer’s Market coinciding on the day of […] Read more
August Newsletter
Here’s the August news from SFMade: A freshly made website and lots of upcoming programs. Read more
SFMade Pop-Up Shop at Banana Republic
Photography by Laila Bahman www.lailabahmanphotography.com Read more
June Newsletter
Click here for the June newsletter from SFMade. Read more
We’re Workforce Champions!
In May of 2012, SFMade was presented a Workforce Champion Award for our Hiring Made Better program at The Office of Economic and Workforce Development’s 2nd Annual Celebrating Workforce Champions Awards. More here. Read more
SFMade Receives Joe Belew Award
SFMade received the Joe Belew Award from Wells Fargo Bank and the Consumer Banking Association for Innovation in Economic Development, read more here. Read more
SFMade Pop-Up Shop Returns to Banana Republic
It’s back! The SFMade pop-up shop at Banana Republic’s Grant Avenue flagship continues through Mother’s Day, featuring previous participants and new SFMade members: Heliotrope, Etta + Billie, Hilside Bags, Cocoa, Poco Dolce, Dependable Letterpress, Cardoza-James Binding, Hello!Lucky, Blueblood and Lila B. Swing by 256 Grant Ave and grab some locally made goods. Read more
SFMade’s 2011 State of Local Manufacturing Report: Made In San Francisco
Click to download the SFMade 2011 State of Local Manufacturing Report The 2011 State of Local Manufacturing Report: Made In San Francisco is the result of a detailed survey we conducted of the manufacturing sector in early 2011, representing data from over 75 local manufacturers. The picture that emerges? Modern manufacturing in San Francisco is a […] Read more
Mayor Ed Lee announces FashionSF initiative at SFMade Member Company
On Wednesday Mayor Ed Lee announced FashionSF, a new economic development initiative focused on supporting the retention and growth of apparel manufacturers and fashion designers in San Francisco. He made the announcement at SFMade member company, Cayson Culinary Designs headquarters. Read more here. Read more
SFMade Receives Bank of the West Innovation in Philanthropy Award
Bank of the West awarded SFMade as a Finalist for the Innovation in Philanthropy Award, recognizing an emerging nonprofit. Read more here. Read more
President Clinton recognizes SFMade’s Urban Manufacturing Alliance
Watch the video! With support for local manufacturing gaining momentum across the country, SFMade’s executive director Kate Sofis was a key participant at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) America conference in Chicago this week, where she announced the launch of the Urban Manufacturing Alliance, an initiative to form a national network of regional manufacturing efforts […] Read more
Women in Business Award Goes to SFMade Executive Director
Kate Sofis gets the Women in Business Award from the San Francisco Bay Guardian! Read the full article on the 2011 Small Business Awards here. Read more
“Made in California” Label Introduced to State Senate
“Made in California” may soon be an official branding bonus for California manufacturers. Senator Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro) has introduced a bill, SB 823, to establish a program similar to the “California Grown” but for products manufactured in California- allowing companies to seek a “Made in California” label and partner with the state to advertise […] Read more
Press Conference with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, SFMade Founder Mark Dwight and McRoskey Mattresses President Robin McRoskey Azevedo
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and SFMade Founder Mark Dwight spoke at a press conference today at McRoskey Mattress Factory in San Francisco. Speaker Pelosi spoke on the importance of local manufacturing to the growth of the economy and job creation. SFMade was acknowledged as an important aid in local job creation. The House recently passed […] Read more